LOTS AND LOTS OF WRITING PROMPTS
A. Writing Prompts Appropriate for All Grades
1. Think about a time when something special or unusual happened at school. It could be a time when
something unexpected happened in your classroom or any event at school that you remember well.
Write about what happened and why it was special or unusual.
2. Sixth grade is a time of many changes. Describe the changes that have taken place in your life since
you entered sixth grade. For instance, you could write about school, friends, family, or other changes.
(TEACHERS: Change the grade level as necessary.)
3. Write about your first day at school. It may be the first day of kindergarten or the first day of any
other year that you wish to describe. Tell what occurred that stands out in your memory.
4. On rainy days, our plans often change and we have to find other things to do. Think about what you do
for fun on rainy days. Then, write your idea of how to have fun on rainy days.
5. If you wanted an unusual pet, you might find some opposition at home. You would have to be quite
persuasive when you describe this new pet idea to your parent. Tell about the pet and convince your
parent to let you have it.
6. Imagine that your family lives in a busy city and you want to move to the country. Describe the
country in such a way that your family will want to move, too.
7. Think of an animal which is endangered. Describe this animal in such away that other people your age
will appreciate it and want to protect it.
8. In science you have studied different families of animals. Reptiles and mammals are two different
families of animals. Write a composition for science comparing and contrasting characteristics of
mammals and reptiles.
9. You have old milk cartons and straws. Think about how you could design a toy using these materials.
Describe the toy and explain how you made it.
10. If your class could decide to take a field trip this year, where would you like to go? Write a
composition describing where you would like to go with your class this year so that the teacher will
choose your suggestion!
11. Think about the best way you know to earn money. Write a composition telling a friend how to earn
money.
12. Think about all the gifts people can give each other. Some gifts can be wrapped up in pretty paper.
Others cannot be wrapped. Write a composition describing a gift that cannot be wrapped.
13. Some people like to be surprised by gifts. Others like to know what they are getting. What are the
advantages and disadvantages of surprise presents?
14. Write a letter to a member of your family persuading the person to do something with you.
15. How old are you now? Write about the advantages and disadvantages of being your age.
16. Explain the step-by-step process of how to do something you do well, or choose one of the following
tasks: building a campfire, ironing a shirt, making a sandwich, riding a skate board, starting a car,
taking care of a pet, teaching a dog tricks, throwing a Frisbee, washing a dog
17. Select one of the following quotations and explain a meaning which you find in the quotation:
“The art of teaching is the art of discovery.”
“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
“By appreciation, we make excellence in others our own property.”
“Good things come to those who wait.”
“If we must judge, let us use the mirror on our wall first for practice.”
“If you want students to improve, let them hear the nice things you say about them to others.”
“If you’re never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take chances.”
“Laughter is the best medicine.”
